The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

About

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, often simply called the Tattoo, is an iconic annual event held every August on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Drawing on the long tradition of military marching bands, the Tattoo showcases massed pipes and drums of Scottish regiments, alongside brass and percussion ensembles from the British Army and Royal Navy, and a wide range of international performers. First staged in 1950, the Tattoo has evolved into one of the world’s most celebrated festivals, attracting more than 200,000 visitors each year. The 2024 edition, themed “Journeys”, ran from 2–24 August and featured performances by the Massed Pipes and Drums, the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and partner units such as the United States Navy and various United Kingdom regiments. Supported by charitable foundations, the Tattoo raises over £10 million for military charities and contributes roughly £100 million to Edinburgh’s economy annually.

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